Questions and Answers

Infant Program

6 weeks–15 months

Is Poko Loko licensed?

Yes. All Poko Loko Early Learning Centers are fully licensed and have been since their inception in 1965.

Does Poko Loko accept part-time infants?

No. We accept infants only on a full-time basis. Some of our babies do not come every day, but they are all enrolled full-time.

Is the staff qualified and educated?

Yes. To be a teacher, one must have at least two years of college and six credits of early childhood education. To be a teacher’s aide, one must have at least a high school diploma. All of our teachers and aides meet or exceed these requirements. In addition to education, a very important qualification is experience. Our staff is very experienced, and we have very low turnover.

How does Poko Loko prepare for an emergency?

Poko Loko administers a monthly fire drill during which the entire school is evacuated. We also run two tornado drills a year. These drills are performed in order to prepare both our staff and our children for an emergency. In addition, our center is linked to the fire department so if an alarm goes off, the fire department is immediately notified and deployed.

What does Poko Loko do in case of an emergency?

We immediately call 911, perform necessary 1st aid/CPR, and comfort the child. Then we call the parents to let them know about the situation. When emergency help arrives, we follow their instructions.

What are Poko Loko’s ratios?

Our infant ratio is four infants with one caregivers; each room holds up to eight infants with two caregivers.

How will Poko Loko transition my child as she grows up?

As a baby gets older and is ready to move up to the next room, he will visit that room for little periods of time to slowly get used to it. More often than not babies are ready to move up. We talk to the parents before a child moves up and let them know about any changes in the new room. We also let them know how their little one is doing during his visits to the new room.

Will my baby have her own crib?

Each baby has her own crib; the babies do not share cribs. We provide the linens and blankets, and we wash them in Dreft laundry soap at least twice a week.

What does Poko Loko do to help prevent SIDS?

Our babies sleep on their backs as is recommended to help prevent SIDS. If a baby is old enough to roll over to his tummy to sleep, he can then sleep this way.

Does Poko Loko provide daily information sheets to parents?

The teachers keep a daily log for each infant. As a parent you then take this log home when you pick up your child. Reading this form and talking with the teachers helps parents to know what happened during their child’s day.

Will my baby have a set schedule?

Poko Loko does not schedule your baby’s day. We ask the parents about feedings and nap times, and we try to follow this schedule. Parents are asked to let us know about any changes or additions (such as adding baby foods, etc.), and we let the parents know how the schedule is working.

What will my child eat?

Parents provide the bottles, and we provide the baby foods. We supply Gerber cereals and jarred foods. The jarred foods include fruits, vegetables, and dinners in stages 1, 2, and 3. We also supply table foods that we add to the baby’s diet at the parents’ instruction. For our one-year-olds we offer whole milk.

How are bottles warmed?

Each room has a crock-pot that is used to warm the bottles; the bottles are not microwaved. The bottles are stored in a refrigerator until they are used.

What do I need to provide for my baby?

Parents provide fresh bottles filled with formula or breast milk every day. We ask that you also leave with us either a small can of formula or some frozen breast milk in case a day comes that your baby is extra hungry. Parents also provide diapers, wipes, and any diaper lotion that may be needed. We will try to inform you when your supply is running low.

Can I visit my child whenever I want?

Poko Loko has an open door policy for our parents. Some moms come in to nurse, some dads come in to feed a bottle, and some parents just stop by for an extra cuddle. You can stop by to visit at any time, and you do not have to call us beforehand. The only time we would like to know you are coming is when you are going to feed your baby so that we can make sure that we do not feed him right before you come.
If you need to pick up your child in the middle of the day for a doctor’s appointment or even for lunch with your coworkers, please just let us know beforehand so that we may have her ready.

Will my infant get to go outside?

Yes, we have areas for all of our children to play outside. We also have baby buggies that the teachers use to take the children for walks. We ask that you leave your child with appropriate outerwear (including hat and gloves if needed) so that he is comfortable while outside.

Will my baby be held?

Yes! Our teachers truly love spending their days with the babies, and they love to cuddle and play with the babies. Babies are held to be fed, comforted, soothed, and talked to. We know how much you love your baby, and we want her to feel loved all day long.

What happens when my baby is sick?

A child must stay home if he has a temperature of 101ºF or above, has diarrhea, is vomiting, or has an undiagnosed rash. He must also remain at home if he has been diagnosed with something contagious (chicken pox, conjunctivitis, etc.). The child may return when he has been fever or vomiting free for 24 hours or when he is no longer contagious. If he has conjunctivitis, he may return when he has been on the prescribed eye drops for 24 hours. When we have a report that a child has something that is contagious, we will send a note home to the children in his class. Please remember to keep your child home when sick; this will prevent another child from getting it, which then might prevent your child from getting it again. Please also remember how you feel when you are sick; it is very hard on a young one when he has to put in a full day’s “work” and he is not feeling well.

What if my baby has an allergy?

Parents are asked to keep us informed about any allergies that appear. We
will then post a sign with the child’s picture on it in his classroom so that
caregivers are constantly reminded of this allergy.

How often will my baby be changed?

Children’s diapers are changed about every two hours. If a child is fussy
or poopy, then he will be changed right away.

Does my baby need immunizations?

Every parent is asked to keep their child’s immunizations, exams, and tests
up to date; we require that parents provide us with a current medical form
completed by a doctor and keep us informed (in writing) of any updates.
If a child is not able to receive any immunizations at the required age (due
to illness, etc.), we ask that the parents get a note from the doctor
indicating at what age the child will get them. We appreciate the
cooperation of all of our families in this matter. Please remember that
our first concern is for the health and safety of all of our children.

Does Poko Loko accept State Aid for families in need?

There are state agencies that offer financial help to families that meet
their requirements. We will help parents complete any paperwork that is
needed to apply. When a family is approved by the agency, we accept the
payment from the organization. The parents are then responsible for the
difference between our tuition and the amount that the agency pays.
Please talk to one of our directors if you have any questions.

What does Poko Loko do for security?

Poko Loko will only release a child to the child’s parents or someone that
the parents have named as an approved pick-up person. These people
must be included on the registration form, and we ask that the parents
inform us when these people will come. Whenever we do not know or
recognize someone, we will ask to see a picture ID. Please understand that
we are doing this for your child’s safety. In addition to this, the entrance
doors are locked and have a number-coded entry pad. The parents are
given the code when their child starts with us.
All of Poko Loko’s teachers and employees have been fingerprinted and
have had background checks done.